A map of the “2025~2026 Top 100 Korean Tourist Destinations” has been provided by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Around the Lunar New Year holidays, by visiting any of these top 100 destinations, the public can participate in a raffle event.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, in collaboration with the Korea Tourism Organization, announced the selection of the “2025~2026 Top 100 Korean Tourist Destinations” on the 20th. Now in its seventh year, this campaign promotes Korea’s leading tourist spots every two years. The selection process for these destinations involves big data analysis, including social media search volumes, as well as evaluations by tourism experts both in writing and on-site.
This year, 27 new destinations have been added. These include experience-focused and healing tourism spots reflecting the latest trends, such as Gyodong Island in Incheon, where “Squid Game” was filmed, eating ramen at a Han River park, viewing the Seongsu pop-up store, shopping at Sokcho Tourist Fish Market, Daegu Sayeowon for quiet reflection, and Jeongdong-Simgok Badabuchaegil trail with its clear and transparent sea.
Due to the extension of the Lunar New Year holidays with a temporary public holiday, the Ministry is organizing a public participation event to boost domestic travel. From January 24 to February 3, visitors can stop by any of the top 100 destinations on their way home or nearby for the new year, upload proof photos, and enter a raffle. Additionally, a travel review event will be held from January 24 to February 9.
Participation details can be found on the Korea Tourism Organization’s website (korean.visitkorea.or.kr) and the “Top 100 Korean Tourist Destinations” Instagram account (@visitkorea100).
In the first half of the year, a “Traveler’s Passport” featuring the Top 100 destinations will be released, with plans to operate a stamp tour across the country. By the end of the year, the person who visits the most locations will be awarded.
Additionally, the number of “Digital Tourism Resident Cards” has expanded from 35 to 45 locations. This initiative aims to boost tourism and spending in regions with declining populations by offering various travel benefits such as accommodation, dining, sightseeing, and experiences. The service will begin in April.
Kim Jeong-hoon, the Director of Tourism Policy at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, stated, “Starting with the Lunar New Year holidays, we are focusing on campaigns to make it easy for our citizens to visit domestic tourist destinations as part of their daily lives. We will continue to do our best to highlight the charm of regional tourism.”